Holidays – Page 5 – The Rogers News

My First Father’s Day

Each year, I get dad out for nine holes of golf early on the morning of Father’s Day. This year was special in that it was my first father’s day, dad’s first father’s day as a grandfather, and we had Harvey with us. Harvey was a good sport and made it all the way around in the cart while we played an enjoyable nine holes of golf.

Afterwards, we met up with Mom, Katy, and Taylor at Apache Trout Grill for an excellent brunch.

Because the “Rogers Father’s Day” was a week early due to mom and dad’s retirement trip to Disney World, I celebrated “Jonkhoff’s Father’s Day” the next weekend, as well. We had a great brunch at the Country Club and then headed out for some golf.

Christmas 2012

We had a wonderful Christmas Eve and Christmas with our families. On the 24th, we met at Sorellina for dinner, and then drove around to see the Christmas lights before attending the 9pm church service. No dropped candles or broken pews this year, although Christy did have a bit of a laugh-attach early in the service.

Christmas morning had us up early shoveling a little snow, so that we could safely descend the driveway en route to Mom and Dad J’s house for early morning Christmas. It was fun to give Dan his golf club rack, which Lindsey and I built together. Then we were off to the farm to celebrate with Lindsey’s extended family. After enjoying some coffee cake, we opened presents, visited, and then returned to Old Mission Peninsula for Christmas turkey and gift opening with Mom and Dad R and Katy. Continuing with the home crafted gifts, we gave Mom and Dad R a footstool/table made from saplings felled on our property. I am anxious to see if it stands the test of time and the bites and bumps of Izzy and Calla.

It was a wonderful day of celebration and relaxation, and we’re very thankful to have so much loving family close to home. Now its time to start thinking of my New Years’ resolutions!

Lemony Snicket, The Lump of Coal

It is a miracle if you can find true friends, and it is a miracle if you have enough food to eat, and it is a miracle if you get to spend your days and evenings doing whatever it is you like to do, and the holiday season—like all the other seasons—is a good time not only to tell stories of miracles, but to think about the miracles in your own life, and to be grateful for them.

via A CUP OF JO: Miracles

How Santa Makes His Rounds

To all those who have trouble believing in Santa Claus, I ask you to read the following with a bit of humor in mind and a leniency for the truth. Many things that are mentioned have indeed happened, and the rest…well they could just as easily be true. All you have to do is indulge your imagination and follow my lead.

Santa Claus is real, and so are all of the trimmings that we associate with him. I have seen him in the mall many times, and having been fortunate enough to chat briefly with him upon a couple of occasions, I consider myself very knowledgeable about his ways. Many people have tried to tell me otherwise, but I know the truth. The truth is that there are elves at the North Pole slaving away to make children happy come Christmas morning. There are flying reindeer that pull not only Santa and his sleigh, but also his sack of gifts, which must be enormous in proportions. Thousands of kids wait patiently, all year long watching what they say and how they act, in hopes that they will receive their chosen gifts. (This includes me.) I fall into the category of believers who also believe in the Easter Bunny, angels, and miracles. Hence, in the midst of the Christmas season that is racing around us, my focus is on proving to you that Saint Nick does in fact exist.
Continue reading How Santa Makes His Rounds

Christmas Lights Around TC

Here’s a few snapshots of Christmas lights from around TC. I’ll add to this post through Christmas.

Dan & Peg’s magnificent tree:

Beach Christmas in TC:

Mom & Dad’s beautiful tree:

CRB Christmas Party 2012

The firm was out last night for the Big-Little Christmas Party at the TCGCC. It was fun to see everyone and their spouses outside of work and in the holiday atmosphere.

Reynolds Jonkhoff Christmas Party 2012

On our way out, in the hallway of the beautifully decorated Traverse City Golf & Country Club clubhouse. The twist on the white elephant gift exchange this year was that you had to make the gift of bring a $20 gift card. I was impressed by the creativity of the group. We ended up with a quilted wall hanging that has a snowman on it and reads, “Think Snow.”